Biological Sciences (B.S.)

Why Study Biological Sciences at NIU?

Biology is a diverse and rapidly expanding field of study that addresses issues relevant to health, agriculture, industry and the environment. Biologists are responsible for new discoveries in medicine and molecular biology, increasing crop yields and pest resistance, defining the ecological relationships that maintain our planet, and examining the origins and evolution of species, to name just a few.

Our program is highly regarded by both employers and educational institutions, allowing you to pursue careers in government, education and industry. Many of our students go onto graduate or professional schools, such as:

Medical
Dental
Podiatric medicine
Optometry
Veterinary medicine
Pharmacy

Student Quotes

“You can expect to find knowledgeable professors who are interested in students' success, availability of research and internships, and a wide range of upper level biology courses such as histology and immunology. In the fall, I will be attending dental school, and like many others, I owe a great deal of my success to the awesome resources I have found here at NIU.”
Kolver Matos, senior biological sciences major

“Pursuing my education at NIU provided me the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of areas. Within the department of biological sciences, I contributed to research projects performed by accomplished faculty in diverse fields. I was also able to cultivate leadership abilities through involvement in the Phi Sigma Biological Sciences Honor Society.”
Matt Schnizlein, senior biological sciences major

Careers with a Biological Sciences Degree

What can you do with a biology degree? Career possibilities with a bachelor’s degree include biotechnology, animal science and conservation. A bachelor’s degree in biology is excellent preparation for advanced degrees in health care and research.

Biological Sciences Faculty

The biological sciences faculty includes award-winning educators with a diverse mix of research interests including molecular studies of:

Fungi
Insect immunity and immunology
Conservation biology
Antarctic ice sheet and climate change
Vitamin K research
Vertebrate evolution
Targeting the microenvironment in cancer

Hands-on Learning Opportunities

As an undergraduate, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the research biology professors are conducting in a variety of areas such as:

Molecular virology
Cancer biology
Conservation biology
Restoration ecology
Climate change adaptation
Evolutionary ecology
Genomics
Bioinformatics

Study abroad opportunities in our biology program are also offered. Past locations have included Oxford University, Madagascar and the Netherlands.

We also have several groups and clubs for you to join in order to get together with other students who share the same interests as you.

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Additional Program Information

NIU Biological Sciences Website

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